The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

TZU CHI 123 31 Qing Xiu Shi performing the ceremony at the Jing Si Abode. She observed that although the congregation was relatively smaller in size, the atmosphere remained reverential and sanctified as ever. “The change in platforms made no difference. No matter the venue of the ceremony, our intention for bathing the Buddha remains the same,” she shared, moved to tears. Participating in the virtual Buddha bathing ritual for the first time was a memorable and moving experience for volunteer Goh Sher Yee, who has been actively involved in the yearly event for the past 15 years. Despite being limited to bathing the Buddha at home, Sher Yee performed the ritual with utmost piety and reverence alongside the congregation at the Jing Si Abode. “All of us are scattered across the globe, yet we’re together in spirit. Although we’re separated by differences in latitude, our hearts beat as one,” she mused, alluding to the ability of the internet to transcend social distancing by providing a virtual space to connect beyond physical and geographical limitations. Sher Yee had planned to erect a Buddha bathing altar the night before the ceremony, only to realize that she lacked a statute of the Buddha. Hence, she settled for displaying an image of the Buddha on her computer screen as a backdrop against offerings of flowers, fruits and candles for the Buddha. Then, the idea of embellishing the altar with Bodhi leaves occurred to her. She was overjoyed to discover a Bodhi tree planted in the compound of her neighbour’s house, but her conscience held her back. “I was reminded that claiming someone else’s possessions as my own without asking for permission constitutes an act of stealing, which defiles the purity of my heart. So I dismissed the thought and decorated the altar with leaves plucked from my own plants at home instead. It looked fitting for the occasion.” A shift in perspective enabled Sher Yee to perceive everything with a positive outlook, in line with the meaning behind the Buddha bathing ritual, that is, to eliminate our navel- gazing tendencies and take life in our stride, while abiding by the principles of the Dharma. Mrs Gan, an octogenarian of Christian faith, had sustained a fall twice in the past, leaving her with impaired mobility. She lives with her son Gan Heng Thor and was introduced to Tzu Chi through Da Ai TV programmes. She is well aware of her son’s involvement in Tzu Chi’s charitable causes. Every day at 1:30 p.m., she would fold her palms in prayer together with her son and chant along to the tune of “Prayer” on Da Ai TV. During sleepless nights, she would request her son to play the same tune to soothe her to sleep. She was not deterred by her Christian faith from partaking in the virtual Buddha bathing ritual with her son, through which she found an avenue to hone her spirituality. The Buddha bathing ritual is a symbolic event for devotees of the Buddhist faith, as it signifies the cleansing of the heart and mind with the wellspring of wisdom the Buddha has to offer, while eradicating impure thoughts and seeking meaning in self-reflection. Despite the change in circumstances, the core philosophy of the Dharma remains unaltered and continues to inspire those in pursuit of the essence of the Dharma to cultivate a heart as compassionate and pure as the Buddha’s. A Special Take on Tradition